Title: Open Mic

Photographer/s: Ewen Spencer

Contributor/s: Texts by Martin Parr and Mike Skinner

Date of publication: 2005

Place of publication: UK

Dimensions: 17cm x 23cm

Edition size: 1000

Type of binding: Soft cover, Section bound

Number of pages: 64

Type of paper: Coated

Number of pictures: 34

Type of printing: Lithographic

Printer: Westdale Press, Cardiff, Wales

Publisher: ES Books

Language: English

ISBN: 0-9550840-0-8

Category: Artist monograph

Price: £9.99

Summary: As Spencer’s first venture into self-publishing, Open Mic sees him following the beginnings of the underground grime music scene in London, 2003-2005. He sets aside any social preconceptions and concentrates instead on the vigour and spirit of the scene. This is one of the last true Sub-Cultures to be born from the streets of the UK, following in the footsteps of Mods, Skinheads and Acid House. It was with a timely eye that Ewen became embedded within the scene for over 2 years to make this project.

Following the launch in 2005, Open Mic toured as an exhibition, showing at Proud Galleries, London 2005; AG925 Gallery, Stockholm, 2005; City University, London 2006 and also as part of a solo show at Lazarides Gallery, London in 2007.

“He has thrown himself into this whole scene with such enthusiasm and dedication that he has won over the confidence of the key players on the grime circuit. This scene is about energy. That’s why it is important as a voice of expression and protest for the black youth of London. Ewen Spencer’s photographs are also about energy, making visual sense of the wonderful anarchy of grime. Spencer brings the same raw passion to his photographs. I think those who view them benefit from this engagement.”

- Martin Parr introduces OPEN MIC 2005.

Date and place of birth of photographer/s: Newcastle, UK 1971

Website: www.ewenspencer.com

Book link: http://www.ewenspencer.com/#/shop/1/1?popup=shop

Donated by: Ewen Spencer

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